Lyricist

tazwhoever

How does one send his/her lyrics to singers? Plus how does the lyricist make sure it's copyrighted? 

Is this field very competitive? 

Thanks

MalMonroe

A quick google will take you to sites like this one https://www.songwritingmagazine.co.uk/tips-techniques/what-to-do-if-youre-a-lyrics-only-writer

But mostly producers want to have lyrics AND music, maybe a demo - have you seen the BeeGees documentary? Something like they did. They wrote their songs and music and played the songs, recorded them and made sure producers got them.

You only have to look around and take note of how many different programmes there are on TV to know that it is a VERY competitive field. 

Most singers these days write their own songs and music anyway, so you'd have to be pretty exceptional to make any kind of living from it. 

If you're a musician as well and can sing, that'd be great.  

Marcon

If you've not read it, Don Black's autobiography should help to answer your questions (and is a great read, too!): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sanest-Guy-Room-Memoir/dp/1472132939

Diamandis

It's very rare people would buy only lyrics. You might get some work like this through fiverr or something but its probably a good idea to team up with someone who makes harmonies and come up with songs.

You automatically own the rights to what you write. You dont need to register copyrighted works in the UK. 

lincroft1710

Over 50 years a guy called Reg wrote lyrics. A guy from Lincolnshire wrote music. They got together, Reg changed his name to Eldon (or something similar) and recorded the resultant songs. I believe he became quite rich and famous. So perhaps find someone who writes music?

Sandtree

tazwhoever said:

Plus how does the lyricist make sure it's copyrighted? 

Diamandis said:

You automatically own the rights to what you write. You dont need to register copyrighted works in the UK. 

Diamandis is absolutely correct that copyright is automatic in the UK, unless you have signed your rights away (most contracts of employment will have a clause on intellectual property rights for example). 

The issue therefore is not ensuring the work is copywritted but instead to ensure that you can prove when you created the works, there are various suggestions online as how to achieve this.